Effect of chloride deposition on stress corrosion cracking of 316L stainless steel used for intermediate level radioactive waste containers

Abstract

This work analysed the effect of chloride deposition on the susceptibility to atmospherically induced stress corrosion cracking (AISCC) of stainless steel type AISI 316L used to manufacture containers for radioactive intermediate level waste in the UK. Using U-bend specimens contaminated with MgCl 2 , a threshold deposition for AISCC occurrence has been found above chloride contamination levels of 10 and 25 mg cm 22 at 50 and 30uC respectively at the equilibrium relative humidity (RH) of the contaminant salt (,30%RH). Higher contamination levels were required to produce cracking at 60%RH. Based on crack depth data and contaminated area characterisation, it was found that susceptibility to AISCC is affected by the liquid film volume, thickness and continuity.

Time-dependent in situ measurement of atmospheric corrosion rates of duplex stainless steel wires

“…5 The surface of waste containers held in stores may experience the deposition of chloride-bearing particulates from sea-salt aerosols and/or industrial pollution, which may lead to localised corrosion. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] A thorough understanding of localised corrosion and the nucleation of SCC under atmospheric exposure has significant importance for the use of DSS as candidate container materials. Quantitative assessment of the early stages of degradation is therefore required to be able to determine the life-time performance of structural components.…”

Synchrotron X-ray radiography studies of pitting corrosion of stainless steel: Extraction of pit propagation parameters

“…In the presence of mechanical stresses, this form of damage has been observed to potentially lead to the development of stress corrosion cracks (SCC), thus degrading the structural properties of components (e.g. [1]). …”

Probing propensity of grade 2205 duplex stainless steel towards atmospheric chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking

“…[3][4][5][6] Though, it has also been recognised that exposure conditions for simulating AISCC frequently relies on far too aggressive, non-representative environments. 4,7 In parallel, to have stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistant material options available it is important to test higher alloyed materials for their propensity towards AISCC, such as super austenitic stainless steels (e.g.…”